Thanks for the update Patrick. They are looking good. I'm pleased to see that the condensation I was concerned might be a problem, has not materialised. When I've used plastic planters here in the UK without a means of drainage the condensate puddled in the bottom and pollen and hive debris fell into it and rotted, so I doubt an aquarium hive like this would work in our climate, but great to see them doing so well in yours.

Regards

Barbara

Barbara, first of all, thanks for taking the time to watch. But I would be lying if I tried to claim there has been no condensation problem.

At this point, I'm not sure if it was the time of year being the midsummer, or if it was before I took that bar off to allow more ventilation. The proof will be during July and August to see if it will really work properly. If not, I'm going to have to make some adjustments.

I'm glad to be the guinea pig for now. I'll keep you all updated.

.

Barbara

Posted: Thu Mar 08, 2018 4:16 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the update Patrick. They are looking good. I'm pleased to see that the condensation I was concerned might be a problem, has not materialised. When I've used plastic planters here in the UK without a means of drainage the condensate puddled in the bottom and pollen and hive debris fell into it and rotted, so I doubt an aquarium hive like this would work in our climate, but great to see them doing so well in yours.

Conserving wild bees

Research suggests that bumble bee boxes have a very low success rate in actually attracting bees into them. We find that if you create an environment where first of all you can attract mice inside, such as a pile of stones, a drystone wall, paving slabs with intentionally made cavities underneath, this will increase the success rate.

Most bumble bee species need a dry space about the size a football, with a narrow entrance tunnel approximately 2cm in diameter and 20 cm long. Most species nest underground along the base of a linear feature such as a hedge or wall. Sites need to be sheltered and out of direct sunlight.